Healing Of A Divine Physician July 31, 2016

Psalm 103:3(NIV)

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

Humbling as this statement is, yet the fact is certain that we are all more or less suffering under the disease of sin. What a comfort to know that we have a great Physician who is both able and willing to heal us! Let us think of Him for a moment tonight.

His cures are very speedy—there is life for a look at Him; His cures are radical—He strikes at the center of the disease; and so His cures are sure and certain. He never fails, and the disease never returns. There is no relapse where Christ heals, no fear that His patients should be merely patched up for a season. He makes new men of them: He also gives them a new heart and puts a right spirit within them.

He is well skilled in all diseases. Physicians generally have some specialty. Although they may know a little about almost all our pains and ills, there is usually one disease that they have studied more than others; but Jesus Christ is thoroughly acquainted with the whole of human nature. He is as much at home with one sinner as with another, and He never yet met an unusual case that was difficult for Him. He has had extraordinary complications of strange diseases to deal with, but He has known exactly with one glance of His eye how to treat the patient. He is the only universal doctor; and the medicine He gives is the only true panacea, healing in every instance.

Whatever our spiritual malady may be, we should apply at once to this Divine Physician. There is no brokenness of heart that Jesus cannot bind up. "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."1 We have only to think of the myriads who have been delivered from all sorts of diseases through the power and virtue of His touch, and we will joyfully put ourselves in His hands. We trust Him, and sin dies; we love Him, and grace lives; we wait for Him, and grace is strengthened; we see Him as he is, and grace is perfected forever.

Thought for today: Can I identify my infirmities? Do I lift them to God?

The Deep Cost of Sin July 30, 2016

Romans 6:6 (NIV)

6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—

Christian, why would you play with sin? Has it not cost you enough already? Burnt child, will you play with the fire? What! When you have already been between the jaws of the lion, will you step a second time into his den? Have you not had enough of the old serpent? Did he not poison all your veins once, and will you play at the cobra's den and put your hand in the dragon's lair a second time?

Do not be not so mad, so foolish! Did sin ever yield you real pleasure? Did you find solid satisfaction in it? If so, go back to your old drudgery, and wear the chain again, if it delights you. But inasmuch as sin never gave you what it promised to bestow but deluded you with lies, do not be snared by the old fowler: Be free, and let the memory of your enslavement prevent you from entering the net again!

It is contrary to the designs of eternal love, which are all focused on your purity and holiness; therefore do not run counter to the purposes of your Lord.

Another thought should restrain you from sin. Christians can never sin cheaply; they pay a heavy price for iniquity. Transgression destroys peace of mind, obscures fellowship with Jesus, hinders prayer, brings darkness over the soul; therefore do not be the serf and slave of sin.

There is still a higher argument: Each time you serve sin you are "crucifying once again the Son of God . . . and holding him up to contempt."1 Can you bear that thought? If you have fallen into any special sin during this day, it may be that my Master has sent this admonition this evening to bring you back before you have wandered very far. Turn to Jesus afresh. He has not forgotten His love for you; His grace is still the same. With weeping and repentance, come to His footstool, and you shall be reunited in His love; you will be set upon a rock again, and your goings shall be established.

Thought for today: Do I allow myself to get caught up in things that don’t bring life?

What Will You Do? July 29, 2016

Joshua 6:26 (NIV)

26 At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: “Cursed before theLord is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho:

“At the cost of his firstborn son
    he will lay its foundations;
at the cost of his youngest
    he will set up its gates.”

If the man who rebuilt Jericho was cursed, how much more does the man who works to restore false religion among us deserve the same. In our fathers' days the gigantic walls of false religion fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets; and now there are some who would like to rebuild those false systems upon their old foundations.

Lord, we pray, be pleased to thwart these unrighteous endeavors, and pull down every stone that they build. It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error that tends to foster the spirit of falsehood, and when we have made a clean sweep at home we should seek in every way to oppose its all too rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world.

This we may accomplish only in secret by fervent prayer and in public by faithful witness. We must warn with judicious boldness those who are inclined toward the errors of false religion; we must instruct the young in gospel truth and tell them of the dark doings of falsehood in earlier times. We must assist in spreading the light more thoroughly through the land, for false teachers, like owls, hate daylight.

Are we doing all we can for Jesus and the Gospel? If not, our negligence plays into the hands of the heretics. What are we doing to spread the Bible, which is the antidote to falsehood? Are we sending out good, sound gospel writings? Luther once said, "The devil hates goose quills," and, no doubt, he has good reason; the writer's pen blessed by the Holy Spirit has damaged his evil kingdom greatly. If the thousands who read this short word tonight will do all they can to hinder the rebuilding of this accursed Jericho, the Lord's glory shall spread quickly among the sons of men.

Thought for today: Am I giving my all to/for the gospel?

Using Your Memory Well July 28, 2016

Lamentations 3:21 (NIV)

21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Memory is frequently the slave of despondency. Despairing minds remember every dark prediction in the past and expand upon every gloomy feature in the present; in this way memory, clothed in sackcloth, presents to the mind a cup of bitter-tasting herbs.

There is, however, no necessity for this. Wisdom can readily transform memory into an angel of comfort. That same recollection that on the one hand brings so many gloomy omens may be trained instead to provide a wealth of hopeful signs. She need not wear a crown of iron; she may encircle her brow with a tiara of gold, all spangled with stars.

Such was Jeremiah's experience: in the previous verse memory had brought him to deep humiliation of soul: "My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me"; but now this same memory restored him to life and comfort. "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope." Like a two-edged sword, his memory first killed his pride with one edge and then slew his despair with the other.

As a general principle, if we would exercise our memories more wisely, we might, in our very darkest distress, strike a match that would instantaneously kindle the lamp of comfort. There is no need for God to create a new thing upon the earth in order to restore believers' joy; if they would prayerfully rake the ashes of the past, they would find light for the present; and if they would turn to the book of truth and the throne of grace, their candle would soon shine as before.

Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord and rehearse His deeds of grace. Let us open the volume of recollection, which is so richly illuminated with memories of His mercy, and we will soon be happy. Thus memory may be, as Coleridge calls it, "the bosom-spring of joy," and when the Divine Comforter bends it to His service, it is then the greatest earthly comfort we can know.

Thought for today: Do I remember the grace and mercy extended to me? Do I extend it to others?

The Humbling Impact Of Grace July 27, 2016

2 Samuel 9:8 (NIV)

8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”

If Mephibosheth was humbled by David's kindness, what shall we be in the presence of our gracious Lord? The more grace we have, the less we shall think of ourselves, for grace, like light, reveals our impurity. Eminent saints have scarcely known what to compare themselves to, their sense of unworthiness has been so clear and keen. "I am," says the godly Rutherford, "a dry and withered branch, a piece of dead carcass, dry bones, and not able to step over a straw." In another place he writes, "Apart from their open outbursts, I am too much like Judas and Cain."

The meanest objects in nature appear to the humbled mind to have a preference above itself, because they have never contracted sin: A dog may be greedy, fierce, or filthy, but it has no conscience to violate, no Holy Spirit to resist. A dog may appear to be worthless, and yet by a little kindness it is soon won to love its master and is faithful to death; but we forget the goodness of the Lord and do not follow His call. The term dead dog is the most expressive of all terms of contempt, but it is not too strong to express the self-abhorrence of well-taught believers. They do not display false modesty; they mean what they say; they have weighed themselves in the balances of the sanctuary and discovered the vanity of their nature.

At best we are but clay, animated dust; but viewed as sinners, we are monsters indeed. Let it be published in heaven as a miracle that the Lord Jesus should set His heart's love upon people like us. Dust and ashes though we be, we must and will magnify the exceeding greatness of His grace. Could His heart not find rest in heaven? Does He need to come to these tents for a spouse and choose a bride from the children of men? Let the heavens and earth break forth into song and give all the glory to our sweet Lord Jesus.

Thought for today: Do I consistently demonstrate humility?

Wear The Badge Of Perseverance July 26, 2016

Acts 14:22 (NIV)

22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not only a beginning in the ways of God, but also means continuing in those ways as long as life lasts. It is with a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon: He said, "Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me." So under God, dear believer in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are, and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, "Aim higher." The only true conqueror who shall be crowned in the end is he who continues until war's trumpet is blown no more.

Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies.

The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if she can tempt you to quit your pilgrimage and settle down to trade with her in Vanity Fair.

The flesh will seek to ensnare you and to prevent your pressing on to glory. "Being a pilgrim is weary work and makes me wonder: Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Can I not have at least a holiday from this constant warfare?"

Satan will make many a fierce attack on your perseverance; it will be the target for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: He will insinuate that you are doing no good and that you need to rest. He will endeavor to make you weary of suffering; he will whisper, "Curse God, and die." Or he will attack your steadfastness: "What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as others do, and let your lamp go out like the foolish virgins." Or he will assail your doctrinal sentiments: "Why do you hold to these doctrinal creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks: Fall in with the times."

So, Christian, wear your shield close to your armor and cry earnestly to God, that by His Spirit you may endure to the end.

Thought for today: Do I allow the enemy to deter me?  Can I stay the course no matter my circumstances?

Declare Great Things July 25, 2016

Luke 24:33-35 (NIV)

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

When the two disciples had reached Emmaus and were refreshing themselves at the evening meal, the mysterious stranger who had so enchanted them on the road took bread and broke it, made Himself known to them, and then vanished out of their sight. They had constrained Him to stay with them because the day was far spent; but now, although it was much later, their love was a lamp to their feet, indeed wings also. They forgot the darkness, their weariness was all gone, and immediately they headed back the seven miles to tell the wonderful news of a risen Lord who had appeared to them on the road. They reached the Christians in Jerusalem and were received by a burst of joyful news before they could tell their own tale.

These early Christians were all on fire to speak of Christ's resurrection and to proclaim what they knew of the Lord; they happily shared their experiences. This evening let their example impress us deeply.

We also must bear our witness concerning Jesus. John's account of the sepulcher needed to be supplemented by Peter; and Mary could speak of something further still; the combined accounts provide us with a complete testimony from which nothing necessary is missing. Each of us has peculiar gifts and personal experiences; but the one object God has in view is the maturing of the whole Body of Christ. We must, therefore, bring our spiritual possessions and lay them at the apostles' feet, that we may share all of what God has given to us.

Withhold no part of the precious truth, but speak what you know and declare what you have seen. Do not allow the toil or darkness or possible unbelief of your friends to dissuade you. Let us rise and march to the place of duty, and there declare what great things God has shown to our soul.

Thought for today: Do I share my faith, based on my experience, without fear?

Be Worthy July 24, 2016

Philippians 1:27 (NIV)

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel

The apostle's concern is not simply with our talk and conversation with one another, but with the whole course of our life and behavior in the world. The Greek word translated "manner of life" signifies the actions and the privileges of citizenship: And in this way we are commanded to let our actions, as citizens of the New Jerusalem, be worthy of the Gospel of Christ. What "manner of life" is this?

In the first place, the Gospel is very simple. So Christians should be simple and plain in their habits. There should be about our manner, our speech, our dress, our whole behavior that simplicity that is the very soul of beauty.

The Gospel is preeminently true. It is gold without dross; and the Christian's life will be lusterless and valueless without the jewel of truth.

The Gospel is a very fearless Gospel; it boldly proclaims the truth, whether men like it or not. We must be equally faithful and unflinching.

But the Gospel is also very gentle. We see this in Jesus: "a bruised reed he will not break."1 Some professing Christians are sharper than a thorn-hedge; such men are not like Jesus. Let us seek to win others by the gentleness of our words and deeds.

The Gospel is very loving. It is the message of the God of love to a lost and fallen race. Christ's command to His disciples was, "Love one another." We need more real, hearty union with and love for all the saints, more tender compassion toward the souls of the worst and vilest of men!

We must not forget that the Gospel of Christ is holy. It never excuses sin: It pardons it, but only through an atonement. If our life is to resemble the Gospel, we must shun not merely the grosser vices, but everything that would hinder our perfect conformity to Christ.

For His sake, for our own sakes, and for the sake of others, we must strive day by day to let our manner of life be more in accordance with His Gospel.

Thought for today: Does my walk line up with the word?

Opening Our Eyes and Ears To God July 23, 2016

John 9: 1- 7     As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 

Jesus healed the blind man by putting mud on his eyes. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a sinner and not being from God because He healed the blind man on the Sabbath. They questioned the blind man, looking for any hole in the man’s story. They were insulted when the blind man told them: 

Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind and now I see. (John 9:25) The Pharisees stubbornly refused to believe that Jesus was from God, and the blind man was certain of only one thing: this man Jesus had healed him. Jesus then asked the blind man if he believed in the Son of Man, the name Jesus most commonly titled Himself. The man answered that he did not know Him but would like to believe. At that point, Jesus revealed to the blind man that He was the Son of God who had performed this miracle and that He had come so that the blind could see.

Having just healed a physically blind person, Jesus reveals that He had come to open the eyes of the spiritually blind. He inferred that the Pharisees were spiritually blind, claiming to see but walking in spiritual darkness.

The Lord calls out to you today to open your spiritual eyes and ears. Just as he healed the blind man, he longs to open your eyes to know Him. Paul prayed: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18) Pray that the eyes of your heart will be open to know Christ and that your ears would be attentive to His Word.

Thought For Today: Am I awaken to the sights and sounds that God provides?

Life Through Christ July 22, 2016

Romans 5:15 (NIV)

15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

Judgment and condemnation entered through the sin of the one man, Adam, and with it were the effects of death and separation from God.

Likewise, the gift of God through Jesus Christ brought justification and grace to many. Paul explains that the gift of righteousness is Christ’s gift to humanity through His death and resurrection. Sin reigned in death and now grace reigns through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ.

(v.21) Imagine the scene when Jesus died on the cross. At that moment the veil, the shroud of death over humanity, was lifted, and we now have access through our faith in Jesus into a “right” relationship with God.

I often speak with people who have broken relationships with family members or friends. Though we are not always able to restore our broken relationships, we are called to forgive. Jesus Christ offered us the ultimate gift of grace, offering us forgiveness for our sins and reconciliation with the Father. As we live our lives free of the shroud of death in our sins and broken relationships, let us always remember that our Lord stands at the door knocking; He has provided us access to restoration in our daily lives.

He offers us a new life of freedom in Him. In The Message, Peterson puts it this way: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, He got us into life! (Romans 5:15)

Thought for today: Am I willing to surrender what is broken?

Developing Character July 21, 2106

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

True peace, joy, and hope come from being reconciled to God the Father through Jesus Christ. We gain access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (v.2) Paul concludes that the grace of God poured over us enables us to stand against the storms of life and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. He continues to underscore that suffering will produce Christ- like character in us and calls us to persevere and to grab hold of the hope that God pours into our lives. Paul helps us understand how we are able to celebrate in the midst of suffering. He shows us the steady progression of the Christian life: patience to character and from character to hope.

As I meditate on these verses, I am reminded of how the Lord gave me hope and assurance in the midst of storms in my life. No matter what circumstances have placed you in turbulent waters, the Lord will set your course to provide you a way to safety in His arms. All the while He is growing in you a hope in Him, and He will see you back safely to the shore.

What circumstances seem beyond your control at the moment? Cry out to God and He will pour His love into your heart, giving you a hope that will never disappoint. (v.5)

Thought for today:  What is my hope rooted in?

The Scattered Seeds July 20, 2016

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

I am utterly amazed at how God carries out His plans! The first part of the eighth chapter of Acts tells us that after the stoning of Stephen, the church, all except for the Apostles, scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Remember what Jesus’ last words were before He was taken up into heaven:

When the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) It seemed as though the church was on the run, yet the Lord had planned for the church to spread.

The persecution, which could have brought defeat or squelch the Christian movement, actually enabled the church to grow. God always has a plan even when things look hopeless. He can even use the difficult things in our lives to work together for good. (Romans 8:28)

What are the things in your life that seem to be hopeless? Is your marriage failing? Are your finances at risk? Are you suffering from depression or a feeling of hopelessness? The Lord majors in the impossible. He is an expert in taking the negative things of our lives and turning them around for good. He offers us hope when things seem hopeless. He waits for you to turn over those things that seem impossible and look to Him as the source of life.

This week I was overwhelmed with my responsibilities. It seemed as a line of endless tasks demanded my attention and time. As I sought the Lord, He reminded me of His Word in John 16:33: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Beloved children of God, Jesus Christ overcame every trial we could ever face. Turn to Him as your source of hope and He will not fail to lift you up.

Thought for today: Where do I turn when I am overwhelmed?

Healing Demonstrated July 19, 2016

Hebrews 13:7-8 (NIV)

7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

In Matthew 15, we read about the Canaanite woman who cried out to Jesus to heal her daughter possessed by a demon. At first Jesus did not answer her, but her insistent cries caused the disciples to implore Jesus to send her away. Jesus explained to her that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.

However, because of the woman’s great faith, Jesus healed her daughter. I am always awed by the faith of this woman, someone who was not Jewish but had faith to believe that Jesus could heal! She is such a great example of the key component to receiving the healing power of Christ: she believed.

Throughout the generations since Jesus’ resurrection, tradition, human reasoning, and confusion have caused God’s people to settle for less than believing, proclaiming, and demonstrating the kingdom of God. Scriptures teach us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Why, then, would we not expect to see the demonstration of His kingdom today?

When Jesus healed the woman’s daughter, he demonstrated that “the kingdom was near.” As we pray, believe, and expect to see God’s kingdom today, our eyes open to see the works of God. Do you cry out to God for healing and expect Him to heal? Do you cry out to God for deliverance and expect Him to deliver you? Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday, and He responds to the prayers of the faithful.

Thought for today: Do I expect God to be ever-present or am I always expecting a delay?

Sharing Good News July 18, 2016

1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

We are called to share our faith at all times. (II Timothy 4:2) It is our responsibility, and indeed should be our delight, to share the hope that God gives us. Peter exhorts the persecuted body of Christ to set their heart apart for Christ and always be prepared to give an answer for why we have such hope. He also tells them they should share the gospel with gentleness and respect. To me, this is one of the key signs of a mature Christian – one who faithfully and joyfully shares his life in Christ with others in a gentle and respectful way. Often that is done with few words and with much love in action. You may have heard what Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel always; when necessary, use words.”

Today’s Scripture tells us to always be prepared to answer anyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope of Christ that lives within you.

What must you do to be prepared to share your faith story? Read God’s Word to prepare your mind and heart to share your faith. Take time to journal your story; the story of how you came to faith may also be helpful. Just as we collect all the ingredients we need to cook a meal, so we must prepare in advance the tools that we need to share the good news. People tell me all the time that they are afraid of sharing their faith. If you take the time of preparation to tell the greatest story on earth, the Lord will fill you with His Holy Spirit and speak through you.

Thought for today: Can I freely share my life’s story?

Offering a Sacrifice July 17, 2016

Hebrews 13:15-16 (NIV)

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

The Amplified Bible describes a sacrifice of praise: Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. Do not forget or neglect to do kindness and good. (Hebrews 13:15-16) Praise and thanksgiving as a form of worship begin with our knowing the love of God. David knew the Good Shepherd from the time he was a shepherd in the fields. As King of Israel, he continued to praise and thank God for His hand upon his life and the people of Israel. After the Lord had delivered David from the hand of his enemies and from Saul, he praised God in song: I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (II Samuel 22:4) God is indeed worthy of our praise and thanksgiving! Many of the psalms reflect the theme of praise. They reflect Israel’s awareness that praise must follow deliverance when God is to be honored. Praise sprang up from David’s heart of thankfulness to the Lord for his deliverance.

Over the years I have learned that praising and thanking God takes the focus off of me and turns it to God. In the “me first” world, I easily am caught up with thinking that the world revolves around me. When I had my first child, I had my first lesson in self-sacrifice. My child was totally dependent on me and I came to know the rewards of living my life for someone else. Jesus Christ laid down His life for us – the ultimate act of sacrifice – and He thereby set an example for us of sacrifice. We now must offer our lives back to Him in praise and thanksgiving. Yes, this is a sacrifice when going through difficult times, but the reward is great. As we praise, honor and thank Him, our circumstances may not change, but the peace of the Lord will fill our hearts.

Thought for today: How do I demonstrate my gratitude during hard times?

Ridicule July 16, 2016

Nehemiah 4:1-2 (NIV)

4 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”

The first time that Nehemiah is ridiculed by his enemies, he responds by telling them that the God of heaven will give his people success. (2:20)

In chapter 4, when Sanballat ridiculed the Jews, Nehemiah prayed. When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, and the Ammonites plotted to fight against Jerusalem, Nehemiah prayed and posted guards around the work. Prayer and watchfulness emphasize that faith and action go hand in hand to combat the enemy’s ridicule and plans of destruction. In I Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath demonstrates another godly man’s response to ridicule.

The giant hurled insults at David, and David sought and trusted his God with the response. Jesus Christ was insulted, mocked, and ridiculed by those who sought to kill Him, and yet He did not try to defend Himself. He prayed to His Father in heaven and kept His eyes on the task that was given Him.

So often we get caught up in an emotional response when we are insulted, and yet in God’s Word, there are countless examples of responding by first turning to God. The next time you are insulted or ridiculed, look to the Lord for counsel and pray for wisdom before you respond. Consider this Scripture the next time you find yourself in this position: If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. (Proverbs 25:21-22)

Thought for today: Can I and do I temper my emotions?

The helper July 15, 2016

Hebrews 13:6  (NIV)

6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”

Moses had a servant/master relationship with God. When he was commissioned by God to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of God’s people, he lamented, O my Lord, I have never been eloquent. (Exodus 4:10) When God was commissioning Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, Jeremiah lamented, Ah, Sovereign LORD (Adonai), I do not know how to speak; I am only a child. (Jeremiah 1:6) Often when God calls us to do something, we are afraid of failure and we are disobedient to the very thing that God asks us to do.

Fear is a strong tool that the enemy uses to keep us from obeying God. As we grow on our journey with Christ, the Lord desires to rid us of all fear of failure. His goal is for us to say with confidence, The Lord is my helper;

I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:6) Fear of man is the other stumbling block in our willingness to obey God. Proverbs 29:25 says that the fear of man is a snare and when we fear man we are trapped into disobedience.

What is the Lord calling you to do today that requires obedience?

Do you know the Lord as your Helper? Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and see what keeps you from obedience. Repent, and quickly step out in faith. When you do, you will find the Lord as your Helper ready to lead you into success.

Thought for today: Do I recognize God as a source of help? How do I access and utilize His help?

In The Wilderness July 14, 2016

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

When the Israelites left Egypt, the Egyptians saw God’s power displayed as He brought about their release. For forty years, however, the Israelites lived in the desert lacking faith and power, complaining, and longing to return to Egypt. When the Israelites finally crossed the Jordan River, God once more displayed His power. When the Amorite and Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan enabling the Israelites to cross over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites. (Joshua 5:1) Joshua then reinstated two Covenantal ceremonies: circumcision and the Passover. All of the sons of the Israelites were circumcised as a mark of the Covenant with God. When this was done, the reproach (shame, disgrace) of their time in slavery in Egypt was removed as they finally left the desert and moved into the Promised Land.

Wilderness Christians are like the Israelites – unable to display God’s power because of their self-reliance. Wilderness Christians end up going around the same mountain again and again because they do not trust God.

Are you a wilderness Christian? Do you find yourself waking up in the morning thanking God for the day or complaining? I fell under conviction recently as I awoke each morning complaining about something that was on my mind. I sensed the Lord saying to me, “Joanne, as long as you start your days complaining, you will stay in the wilderness; the wilderness is a place of defeat, not victory.” Since that day, I now begin each day with a word of thanksgiving to God. Start your days with a prayer of thanksgiving and see how quickly you will leave the wilderness and enter into the Promised Land.

Thought for today: What am I grateful for?

The Good Fight June 13, 2016

1 Timothy 1:18 (NIV)

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,

Paul writes in his letter to Timothy to fight the good fight. He tells him to do this by loving from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. (ITimothy 1:5) Love is one of the keys to fighting the good fight. It is a powerful weapon against all evil. Brennan Manning says, “In every encounter we either give life (love) or we drain it. There is no neutral exchange.” Love is a way to fight the good fight. It helps us to resist the evil one who plants seeds of destruction. Another way to be strong in power and resist the “devil’s schemes” is to put on the full armor of God daily. (Ephesians 6:10-18) The disciples of Christ had to fight hard to hold on to their faith amidst the persecution and trials of being a Christian. Paul, however, describes the fight as a “good fight” – one worth fighting for, one worth giving your life for.

Are you tired of the “good fight”? Have you sought to live a godly life but feel like a failure? Remember that Jesus never came to make us perfect. He came as the perfect sacrifice to draw us to Himself and make us holy. Swimming against the tide of society in a post-Christian world can be tiring, but the fight is worthwhile and the rewards are great. Jesus puts it this way: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

(John 16:33)

Thought for today: How do you know you’re fighting the good fight?

Confession June 12, 2016

Nehemiah 9:2-3 (NIV)

2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.

The Israelites were convicted of their sin and rebellion against God as they heard the Word of God read. They spent the next quarter of the day in worship and confession of their sins! The formation of a new man began to take place as the people worshipped in one accord and confessed their sins. 

Collaborative worship and confession draws God’s people together and bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful man. It is interesting to note that just as Nehemiah had modeled repentance to them by confessing his own sins and the sins of his forefathers (Nehemiah 1:6), the people now confessed their sins and the sins of their forefathers. As God’s people, we are called to identify not only with the sins of our forefathers, but our sins as well, and seek God’s forgiveness. During their time of confession, the Israelites remembered that the Lord had been gracious and forgiving to them throughout the centuries: But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. (9:31)

When we acknowledge and turn away from our sins in repentance, we begin to see clearly the goodness of the Lord and His mercy toward us.

He never forsakes us even though we forsake and turn away from Him. I am reminded daily of how easily I turn from the Lord and how gracious and merciful He is to take me back when I return. We are like sheep that easily go astray, but we have a Great Shepherd who leads us back to safety. (Isaiah 53:6)

Thought for today: What keeps me from seeing God’s grace?

God’s Power June 11, 2016

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Often we are confused about whether or not something is from God.

We long to know God’s will, and we long to discern if something is of God.

A Pharisee named Gamaliel figured out this dilemma. The Sadducees made the Apostles appear before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish court, to be questioned by the high priest concerning their bold preaching of the gospel.

The priests had given the Apostles strict orders not to teach about Jesus, but the Apostles disregarded their orders. God told them to “Go, tell the people the full message of this new life,” and the Apostles obeyed. The Sadducees were furious with them, but Gamaliel simply said, “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them.” This is a great guideline or test for us when we are uncertain if something is of God. We simply need to remember that if the activity is of human origin, it will fail. If it is of God, it will prevail.

Are you faced with a decision to make? Have you prayed and sought the will of God and still are unsure? There are some practical ways to line up with the will of God. Using the analogy of navigation lights, you must line up the range markers in order to stay in the channel. To stay in the channel of God’s will, there are several markers that are helpful:

It will line up with Scripture.

Circumstances will line up.

The peace of the Lord will be your plumb line.

There are other ways to line up with the will of God, but these three are significant as you seek to know God’s will. Sometimes you are still unsure if it is God’s will, but there are no apparent roadblocks. At times like that, I often choose to step out in faith, trusting that the Lord will turn me back if I am on the wrong path: Trust in the Lord with all of your heart; lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

(Proverbs 3:5) At other times I wait on the Lord until I have more direction:

The Lord is faithful; if you seek Him you will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Thought for today: Does what I do fall in line?

Miracles In Action July 10, 2016

Ephesians 3:10 (NIV)

10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

Matthew 14 and 15 recount the miracles of Jesus feeding the five thousand and the four thousand who had come to hear Him teach. We also read in these chapters the accounts of Jesus walking on water and stilling the storm. The response of the disciples was to worship Him and to proclaim,

Truly You are the Son of God! (Matthew 14:33) Paul describes the insight he has into the mystery of Christ made known to Him by the Spirit of God in Ephesians 3:3: Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is the mystery made known to be by revelation. He preaches not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (I Corinthians 1:17) Paul knew that God’s grace was at work through the cross. 

Understanding the power of Christ demonstrated through the cross and the resurrection enables us to grab hold of the power demonstrated in the kingdom of God. Throughout the gospels we read about the miracles Jesus performed. Jesus told His disciples that when He came to earth God’s kingdom had arrived. Evidence of that kingdom was seen in signs, wonders, and miracles.

As believers, the kingdom is within us; therefore, the power of the kingdom is the power of Christ within us. As we read the stories of the miracles written so long ago, let us keep in mind that the same power that was demonstrated then is available to us now if we open our “kingdom eyes” to see and believe.

Thought for today: Am I reflecting on the grace that was extended to me and do I extend that gift?

Love Covers July 9, 2016

1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

In this passage from I Peter, Peter exhorts the believers to love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Eugene Patterson’s The Message puts it this way: Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it.

Love makes up for practically anything. It goes on to say, Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless – cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it; if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and He’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything – encores to the end of time. (I Peter 4: 7-11) What an incredible description of love in action! Amidst the suffering of the persecuted Church, Peter is challenging them to love and reach out with God’s grace to all! This passage of Scripture has challenged me over the years because when I am suffering, it is difficult for me not to be self-centered! Yet our God, in the person of Jesus Christ, loved us so much as He walked to the cross; He loved us so much as He suffered on the cross;

He loved us so much as He forgave us on the cross. What a love divine! As His disciples, we are called to love by forgiving and by serving. In so doing,

God will be glorified.

Thought for today:

Meditate on these words: Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Do you love as if your life depended on it? Are you aware that your love covers a multitude of sins? 

Hard Work July 8, 2016

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Paul, discussing unity and maturity as goals of the church, describes Jesus Christ as the Head who holds the body (joined by supporting ligaments) together. The body of Christ must grow, building one another up as they work together. The body of Christ must be determined to work together to accomplish the common goal of building God’s kingdom. As Nehemiah gathered the people together, he knew that although he was the leader, he was dependent on God to give him direction. As he motivated the people of Jerusalem to action, he reminded them that the “gracious hand of God” was upon him. (Neh 2:18) He trusted God to lead them, but he knew that it would take the faith of the people, plus determination and hard work, to rebuild the wall. James describes faith in action: In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 3:17) As the body of Christ, we must be determined to work hard demonstrating our faith in God and be determined to follow the call of God. The people of Jerusalem knew that the Lord had sent Nehemiah and the supplies they needed to build the wall.

Now it was time to put their faith to action.

Are you connected to a body of believers? God ordained believers to work together, encouraging one another to use our gifts for His glory. For years I did not realize the value of being joined with the body and the support that is offered through this connection to other believers. I remember praying as a team for someone when I came to understand the importance of the

“supporting ligaments.” My team partner could minister to this individual from her own experiences, and I marveled at how the Lord worked through her. I was able to fill in the gaps with the gifts that the Lord had given me.

I knew that day that God had a purpose in sending out the disciples “two by two.” Determination and hard work are needed to fulfill our calling, but without working with others as part of the body of Christ, it is easy to burn out. All of us are called to prepare God’s people for “works of service,” and in so doing, we will all reach the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Thought for today:  Am I connected in fellowship?

Power July 7, 2016

Deuteronomy 8:17-18(NIV)

17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

There are two stories in the Old Testament that demonstrate Adonai as the One who gives us power to accomplish the things He calls us to do.

Joshua, after experiencing a great victory at Jericho, anticipated a victory at Ai, but God’s people were defeated due to sin in the camp. Joshua called out to his Master, Adonai, reminding Him that he needed His power to conquer the Promised Land. (Joshua 7:1-8) His prayer is based on his servant relationship with God. Another man named Gideon was fearful of the Midianites who were oppressing his people. When the angel of the Lord came to Gideon, he said, if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? (Judges 6:13) Gideon recognized that his Master could give him guidance and power. The angel of the Lord promised Gideon God’s help and gave him the directions to be victorious. The Lord Adonai, our Master, wants to give us His power that is available through our relationship with Him.

Joshua and Gideon knew that only with God’s power could they defeat their enemies. What enemy do you face that requires the power of God? Remember that it is God who defeats our enemies and gives us the power to face all opposition.

Thought for today: How do you utilize the power of God?

Risk Taking July 6, 2016

Luke 9:24 (NIV)

24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

The Israelites had to take a risk when they stepped into the swollen waters of the Jordan River. Such a risk involves trusting God to go before us even when we do not see Him. Wandering in the wilderness brought about the death of an entire generation of people. They were unwilling to surrender and trust God to take them into the Promised Land, which was to be a place of freedom. It was the next generation who chose to believe God’s promise and obey. They were the ones who entered into the freedom and new life that God had promised them.

In the same way, before we actually risk taking the first step in obeying what God wants us to do, we must be willing to trust God that He will be faithful to buoy us as we carry out the decision to be obedient. Just as God went with the Israelites, He will go with us. It is risky to step out in faith, believing with our “spiritual eyes” and not seeing with our physical eyes.

We have been taught to see and then believe, but faith means that I believe, then I see. The Word teaches us that if I want to save my life, I must lose it.

This is another “kingdom principle” that defines our spiritual life. The world teaches us to preserve our lives; the Lord teaches us to be willing to lay our lives down. Again, risky business!

As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and went into the Promised Land, they did it together. Today, we need Christian companions on our journey of faith to help encourage us along the way. As you cross the swollen rivers of your circumstances, take a friend along in prayer to assist you as you lay down your life and cross over. Jesus Christ has promised that He will lead the way.

Thought for today:  Do I limit my blessings by my lack of faith?

Remembering Our Spiritual Milestones July 5, 2016

1 Chronicles 16:12 (NIV)

12 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

Whether you have just embarked on your spiritual journey or have been journeying for many years, I hope that you have recognized the importance of remembering spiritual milestones. It is important not only to remember these milestones, but also to share them with others. In the book of Joshua, we learn about God’s protection, His promises, and His principles that assist us in our spiritual journey as they did the Israelites. We have seen God’s hand at work in memorable ways as He guided the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to claiming their inheritance of the Promised Land.

Throughout their journey, they established different memorials that they continued to share with each other and with their children. They set the example for us the importance of sharing with others what wonderful works God has accomplished in our lives.

Take the time to begin a journal for remembering spiritual milestones.

For example, recently my sister got married. For years I had prayed that the Lord would send her someone who would love her as Christ loves the church. After several months of dating, she told me that her husband-to-be told her that his wish was to love her in that way. The Lord not only answered our prayers, He answered them in a specific way! For both my sister and me, this was a spiritual milestone. God increased our faith in prayer, and His faithfulness will be forever ingrained on my heart.

As you journey with the Lord, write down your spiritual “markers” – those things that have helped you grow in your faith – so that when you think you are not growing in your faith, you can look back and see that the Lord has always been at work.

Thought for today: How do I monitor/measure my spiritual growth?

The Christ Revealed July 4, 2016

Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV)

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus asked His disciples: Who do people say the Son of Man is?(Matthew

16:13) They replied: Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others,

Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Jesus asked the question a second time, directing it this time to the disciples, and Peter responded: You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus replied that God the Father revealed this profound truth to Peter. We also know Christ as He is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. He opens our eyes to know Christ is the Son of God. After Peter revealed that he knew Jesus was the Son of God, Jesus gave him the keys to the kingdom. As Jesus is revealed to us, the keys to the kingdom are given to us. (Matthew 16:19)

Today I noticed that one of my keys had fallen on the floor. I sensed the Lord saying, “Joanne, remember you have the keys to my kingdom.” One of the keys that unlocks the doors of His kingdom rule on earth is faith.

Peter exercised his faith when he believed that Jesus was the Son of God, and in turn Jesus entrusted him with the keys of the kingdom.

What are some of the other keys besides faith? Prayer is a key to kingdom rule. When we pray to ask God to bring heaven to earth – Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10) – we pray to invite God’s perfect will and His kingdom rule into the situation that is our point of prayer.

What about you? Who do you say that Jesus is? Is He just a teacher, a prophet, a miracle worker, or is He the Son of Man? Like Peter, when we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we are given the keys to the kingdom.

Thought for today: Who/what is The Christ in your life?

Approaching The Throne of Grace July 3, 2016

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The first two verses in Romans 5 celebrate our access into the Presence of God: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. It is through our faith in Jesus Christ that we have the right to approach His throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy.

(Hebrews 4:16) Having laid the foundation for justification by faith, Paul writes that we can access the grace of God and His powerful Presence where God’s love, peace, and hope are poured out on us. The God of all creation desires to have a personal, intimate relationship with us and has provided a way for us to enter in through His Son. I am utterly amazed at the love of God the Father who seeks to lavish His children with the promise of peace, joy, goodness, and love! How great is such a love!

As a child when I had been disobedient, my mother told me that she would tell my father what I had done when he got home. Although I feared that he would be angry with me, I always knew that whether I had been good or bad, I could always approach him and find a place of mercy. Although there would be consequences to my behavior, I could approach him with confidence knowing he would still love me. Our Father in heaven has given us access to His throne of grace. Do you have the confidence to approach him knowing you will receive His grace and mercy?

Thought for today:  Can I be brutally honest in my physical life and my prayer life?